Australia will draw on their extensive big-game experience in a bid to spoil the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup final farewell for all-time champions Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Fourteen of Australia’s likely starting line-up, tasked with depriving the All Blacks of back-to-back World Cup triumphs, have played in a major championship final – primarily in Super Rugby.
But it is the one man in their starting line-up without any experience in a major final who is determined to make history by helping Australia become the first nation to win a third Webb Ellis Cup.
David Pocock’s earliest World Cup memories are of watching the 1995 tournament at his grandfather’s farm, marvelling at his Springbok heroes and attempting to take in the enormity of their stunning upset of New Zealand in the final.
He gets a chance to do the same at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday 0300 AEDT).
“It’s funny, I was talking to my partner Emma a couple of days ago and she was saying for me as a kid watching the World Cup was such a big thing and those are the guys that you idolise and love watching in every game,” Pocock said.
“Now I’ve got that opportunity to be here playing and be a part of that history. It’s such an amazing opportunity.”
Pocock is widely viewed as the best hope Australia has of effecting a major upset by spoiling the farewell party of some of New Zealand’s greatest players – with the irreplaceable McCaw and Carter heading a star-studded list including Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Keven Mealamu in likely playing their last Tests.
Somewhat remarkably, however, Saturday’s final will be Pocock’s first at senior level – his last being a victory over New Zealand at the under-19 World Cup in 2006.
Pocock, though, did play in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship-deciding win over the All Blacks in August in Sydney.
Every other Wallaby has a Super Rugby final under his belt, save for veteran winger Drew Mitchell, who scored a blistering try for Toulon in the final of this year’s Heineken Cup.
“Those big pressure moments, the more you’ve experienced that, the more you know what’s coming,” said captain Stephen Moore, who started in the Brumbies’ loss to the Chiefs in the 2013 Super Rugby decider, which Pocock missed through injury.
“Whether it’s your first game or your last, it’s a big game no matter what stage of your career you’re in.
“These games come at different stages in people’s careers. You’ve got to be able to do your best when you get the opportunity.”
Saturday’s clash could also be the last in gold for a host of Wallabies – including the 32-year-old Moore as well as veterans Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Will Genia and Matt Giteau, the only Australian to have featured in a World Cup final.
None, though, has formally announced their intentions to retire after the World Cup and Moore says it hasn’t been discussed internally and won’t be used as additional motivation.
“We’re only focused on this game, this opportunity – nothing beyond that,” he said.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I think the timing of the subs by Cheika could be absolutely pivotal. The starting XV are in the main busted. I would be getting most of if not all the subs on by the 55th minute. The only guy I might leave on longer is Giteau, it will depend on how roughed up he is marking Nonu all game. It sounds simplistic getting everyone on by the 55 minute mark, however fresh legs will be a must.
Shrink
Guest
Mmmm Rotuma Island, I do like the way you think....obviously quite astute
ROTUMA ISLAND
Guest
I'd say one of the worrying factor for me is the All Blacks superior fitness, we were puffed out by the 60th min against Argentina, cracks, gaps began appearing in abundance from then onwards, it was our desperate tackling and Argentina's inability to cross the line that kept us in the game until AAC's try, the ABs are masters in exploiting space, cracks and gaps, give them a hairline gap an they'll hurt us, we have/need to start strong and start piling up points because we cannot afford to be chasing the game in the final 20mins, the Wallabies will have to dig deeper than ever and do something very very special to topple the ABs, I'm a patriotic Wallaby fan but even I have to acknowledge the ABs winning record, they have lost only 3games in 4years, they have class all over the park and led by the greatest Rugby player, I'm confident in the Wallabies but at the same time very nervous and anxious.
Taylorman
Guest
And finals are much tougher. Both sides have dispatched the easier sides of one whole side of the draw. This brings thw best of thise two halves. A massive leap in quality of play required by borh sides and at this stage of the tournament lifting to another two or three levels is near inpossible. Hansen knows this. I doubt cheika does in the way he needs to.
Taylorman
Guest
Because thats how the last three finals have gone. All three battles of attrition with low scores and heavy on penalties and drop goals. Yes its an assumption, but a very considered and supported one. Where youre reasoning that theyre in fact a box of birds ready to go after the last five weeks is?
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
What if they are not so 'stuffed', Tman? What if they actually feel fresh and ready to rip in? What if Cheikas training sessions have been harder than playing? And what if Cheika gives them light runs this week? You are making assumption. It's only eighty minutes. It's only 15 opponents, some of whom may be already 'stuffed'
taylorman
Roar Guru
Geez look at Pococks face, McCaw looks similar. can't say World Cup finals have these guys at their peak fitness. Superxv doesn't do this to them as badly as that, otherwise everyone would be looking like that on Wednesdays, and they don't. And on the inside they'll be five times worse. Survival of the fittest alright. Tough for Pocock and Oz alright, by far their toughest match when they're stuffed.